A few years ago when I visited Paris, we had the option of going to Giverny, AKA the town which houses impressionist painter Claude Monet’s house and gardens, but we passed it up in favor of other things closer to city center. We also tried to visit the palace of Versailles, but were deterred by the long lines (never go on a Sunday in June, folks), and explored the gardens rather than seeing the interior of the castle. That trip was once in a lifetime and I absolutely loved it, but in the interval years between then and now, I have explored my love for all things beautiful, notably including palaces and flowers.
So finally on Friday, myself and two of my friends boarded a train for the weekend trip I was perhaps most excited for this entire duration; righting those previous misjudgments of my youthful self. It was the first time I had taken the TVG (high speed) train from Aix, and even though we left the station at the ungodly hour of 6:37 AM, it was lovely. There’s just something so pleasant about watching the countryside roll by and not worrying if all your liquids will fit in 3oz containers!
First up was Versailles, which we were able to enter for free, thanks to being resident young people in the EU. I have to say, this has been a remarkable thing. So many times in my trips I’ve gotten free or reduced admission to museums or other cultural sights because of my residency in the EU and my age (under 26!). Now, of course some of my favorite museums in the US are the Smithsonian museums, which are of course free to all, but the student/young person discounts in the EU have come in handy many many times, and I am extremely grateful.
Versailles was on my list because at almost every other palace I’ve seen this semester, somewhere along the lines there has been the comment that that palace was modeled after Versailles. It is the palace of palaces! Yet, I was almost…unimpressed. Versailles was lovely, and I adored the famous Hall of Mirrors, but I ultimately felt as though there were not as many rooms available as there have been in other palaces that I have visited. Yet, the sun shined on us in the beautiful (and vast) gardens.
After what felt like 19 more train rides, we finally arrived in the town of Vernon, about 30 minutes away from Giverny by bus. We kept referring to Vernon as the “Snow White village”, due to the Germanic architecture in the old buildings. Placed along the Seine, Vernon was just so charming! We had lovely meals and an overall calm weekend, ambling down the streets from medieval times and strolling through the quiet town.
Yet, it was Giverny that took my heart. I know, I know, it’s hardly even spring, and it’s true, there were flowers missing. But oh. my. goodness. Monet’s garden is a dream. Flowers sprawling everywhere you look, in each hue blessed by the sun. Arches, rows, bushes, rivers, just the natural beauty everywhere you look. Walking around the garden, I, too, had the desire to paint! And seeing famous sights from paintings I adore…well, there’s just nothing like standing on the famous Japanese bridge that Monet painted in his very own garden.
And then there’s the house itself. Monet and I are clearly kindred spirits, because it was just so colorful. The dining room, entirely yellow, the blue porcelain kitchen…I wanted to pack it all up and take it home with me. The overall vibe of Giverny was peaceful inspiration, with joy radiating from each vibrant color. Life is abundant in Giverny, and I was refreshed with the desire to create. I ended up buying five prints for myself…I guess you could say Monet’s house made quite an impression on me!
It was a peaceful weekend filled with beauty and charm. It seems as though with every corner of France I explore, I love it a bit more. I was sad upon leaving Giverny, but I know I’ll be back someday to see the flowers in full bloom.
Emily Sakowitz 